There’s something deeply comforting about a warm, flaky crust hiding a rich, savory filling bursting with tender chicken and veggies. This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is my go-to when I want a cozy homemade meal that feels like a hug in dinner form.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I honestly can’t get enough of how this pot pie marries creamy, comforting filling with crisp, buttery crust. It’s straightforward to make but feels like a special treat every time. Plus, it’s packed with real veggies and big on flavor.
- Perfect Comfort Food: Creamy, rich filling with tender chicken and fresh veggies makes every bite soothing.
- Flaky Homemade Crust: Using a from-scratch pie crust (or store-bought if you’re short on time) adds that golden, buttery finish.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prep the filling or dough days in advance, making dinnertime stress-free.
- Customizable & Cozy: Easy to tweak with whatever veggies or herbs you have on hand
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe come together beautifully for a rich, thick filling that’s loaded with flavor and surrounded by flaky crust. Quality chicken broth and fresh herbs really make the gravy sing.
- Pie crust: Homemade crust gives you that tender flakiness; store-bought works fine too if you’re pressed for time.
- Shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves so much time and adds juicy flavor—perfect shortcut.
- Yukon gold potatoes: Starchy and creamy when cooked, they help thicken the filling and add heartiness.
- Carrots, celery, onion: Classic mirepoix base builds deep flavor and adds wonderful texture.
- Garlic: Just enough to enhance without overpowering.
- Butter and olive oil: Fat gives richness and helps sauté vegetables beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: The thickening agent for that luscious pot pie gravy.
- Chicken broth: Low sodium lets you control salt and gives a savory base.
- Milk and cornstarch: The secret duo for creamy, velvety filling without heaviness.
- Herbs and spices: Parsley, oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary, and chicken bouillon amp up the savory punch and warmth.
- Frozen peas: Tossed in frozen to keep that pop of freshness and color.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Sometimes, I swap in sweet potatoes or add fresh thyme from my garden for an earthy note. You can also swap frozen peas for green beans or add corn for a sweet touch.
- Vegetable swaps: I once added roasted mushrooms and loved the extra umami depth it gave.
- Herb upgrades: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme brighten up the filling beautifully if you have them on hand.
- Crust variation: Try a puff pastry top for a lighter, flakier texture that bakes up even quicker.
- For a gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free pie crust and cornstarch or arrowroot to thicken the filling.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Crust Ahead
Making a flaky crust always feels like a mini win. I make my pie dough a day ahead, wrapping it tight and chilling it for at least 2 hours (overnight if I can). Trust me, that chill time is key for easier rolling and a crust that bakes evenly without shrinking.
Step 2: Cook the Veggies and Make the Filling
While the crust chills, start prepping the filling. I microwave the diced Yukon gold potatoes covered with a bit of water to speed things up — this way they cook perfectly tender without battling the oven time. Then I sauté onions, carrots, and celery in butter and olive oil until silky and fragrant. Adding garlic at the very end keeps it fresh and punchy.
Sprinkle in the flour to form a roux, and cook it for about 2 minutes — this step is what thickens your sauce just right. Slowly stir in your chicken broth, milk mixed with cornstarch, chicken bouillon, and lots of herbs. Bring it to a gentle simmer and whisk constantly until your sauce thickens up beautifully.
Step 3: Combine and Fill the Pie
Remove the filling from heat and stir in your shredded chicken, the drained potatoes, and those frozen peas (I never thaw them to keep their color and texture). Taste and season with salt and pepper. Pour this comforting mixture into your deep pie dish—this is where your kitchen is going to start smelling amazing.
Step 4: Roll Out Your Crust and Top
Rolling out the chilled dough on floured parchment prevents sticking and makes transferring it over the filling so much easier—you just flip the whole thing, parchment side up, right on top. Then tuck the dough edges back over the rim to create a thick crust. I love fluting mine for that classic look, but a simple fork-crimp works just as well.
Don’t forget to cut a few slits in the top crust so steam escapes, which keeps your crust from getting soggy. I brush the top crust (but not the fluted edges) with an egg wash—that golden glaze just makes it look irresistible.
Step 5: Bake and Enjoy
Bake your pot pie at 375°F for about 40-55 minutes, keeping an eye on the crust’s edges. If they start browning too fast, covering them with foil protects them from burning. Watching the crust puff and turn golden is almost as satisfying as the first bite.
Once out of the oven, give it 5-10 minutes to settle before serving. It’s worth the wait—you’ll love the way the filling stays perfectly luscious without spilling out.
Top Tip
In all my pot pie experiments, a few key tricks made this recipe shine and easier to nail. If you keep these in mind, you’ll get a velvety filling and perfectly flaky crust every time.
- Microwave potatoes first: It saves time and ensures fork-tender potatoes without overcooking the filling in the oven.
- Don’t thaw the peas: Adding frozen peas straight into the hot filling keeps their texture bright and fresh.
- Keep the crust cold: Chilled dough handles better and shrinks less in the oven.
- Use chicken bouillon wisely: It layers in a deep umami flavor—just a teaspoon really transforms the savory notes of your filling.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I keep it simple with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves over the warm pot pie. It adds a subtle pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens up the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
I love pairing this pot pie with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted Brussels sprouts for some textural contrast and freshness. Creamy mashed potatoes are overkill here because the pot pie itself is full-on comfort, so something light complements best.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve baked this pot pie in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. It’s fun, fancy-feeling, and each person gets their own golden crust crown—plus less fuss with sharing slices!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the pot pie cools completely, I cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It keeps beautifully up to 5 days, which means you’ve got ready-to-reheat comfort food waiting for you any night.
Freezing
I’ve frozen both the filling alone and the fully assembled pie (uncooked) wrapped well in foil and plastic wrap. When freezing the baked pie, you can reheat it straight from frozen—just add extra bake time so the crust crisps evenly.
Reheating
To keep the crust flaky on reheating, I prefer the oven or air fryer. Cover the pie loosely with foil and warm at 300°F for 20-30 minutes, or heat individual slices at 365°F in the air fryer for about 5 minutes. Microwave works too but can soften the crust.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Store-bought pie crust works great if you’re short on time. Just make sure to thaw it properly (if frozen) and keep it chilled before rolling out for the best texture.
Keep a close eye on the edges as the pie bakes. If they start getting too dark, cover them with foil or a pie crust shield to protect them while the rest of the crust finishes baking.
Definitely! Swap the chicken for a hearty mix of mushrooms and extra vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and reduce or omit chicken bouillon. Adjust seasoning to balance the flavors.
Using frozen peas straight from the freezer is best. It keeps them vibrant in color and texture once baked, whereas thawed peas can get mushy and lose their bright pop.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to—not because it’s complicated, but because it’s reliable and soul-satisfying. Whether you’re baking on a chilly night or prepping ahead for busy weekdays, it delivers that warm comfort and homemade goodness that everyone loves. Give it a try; I’m sure it’ll be a favorite in your kitchen too.
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Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Classic Chicken Pot Pie features a buttery pie crust filled with a savory mix of shredded chicken, tender vegetables, and a creamy homemade sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners and is made from scratch using a flaky pie dough and flavorful filling.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 recipe pie crust (or store-bought pie crust)
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream (egg wash)
Pot Pie Filling
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 ½ cups shredded chicken (like rotisserie)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups Yukon gold potatoes, peeled, chopped ½-inch cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
- ¾ cup sliced celery
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 ½ teaspoons chicken bouillon
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon rubbed sage
- ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas (do not thaw)
Instructions
- Make the Pie Dough: Prepare your pie crust dough following your favorite recipe or use a store-bought crust. Chill the dough for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to ensure it’s firm and easy to handle.
- Prep Ingredients and Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Whisk together the milk and cornstarch in a small bowl and set aside.
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the chopped Yukon gold potatoes and ¼ cup water in a microwave-safe covered bowl. Microwave for 6 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened, about 8 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add Flour and Cook: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. The mixture will become thick.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Lower heat to medium-low. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, milk/cornstarch mixture (whisk again before adding), chicken bouillon, and all spices: parsley, oregano, thyme, salt, sage, rosemary, and pepper.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly. Continue simmering until the sauce thickens to desired consistency. Adjust by adding more broth or milk if too thick, or simmer longer if too thin.
- Combine Filling: Remove from heat. Stir in shredded chicken, cooked and drained potatoes, and frozen peas. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Transfer the filling evenly into a 9-inch pie pan that is 1 ½ to 2 inches deep.
- Roll Out Pastry: On lightly floured parchment paper, roll out chilled pie dough to an 11 or 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough over the filling, then peel back parchment paper.
- Form Crust Edges: Fold the excess dough back over itself to create a thick outer crust. Flute or crimp edges decoratively. Cut 6 to 8 steam vents into the top crust.
- Apply Egg Wash: Lightly brush the egg wash over the top crust, avoiding the folded edges to prevent over-browning.
- Bake the Pot Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 55 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Monitor crust edges and cover with foil or a pie crust shield if they brown too quickly. Add extra slits if the crust puffs up unevenly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the pot pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your comforting homemade chicken pot pie!
Notes
- Chicken bouillon adds deep, savory flavor to the gravy; you can use bouillon powder, cubes, or base without dissolving it first.
- The pie dough and filling can both be made ahead; dough chills up to 5 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen (thaw overnight in fridge), filling keeps 48 hours refrigerated.
- For reheating leftovers, you can microwave individual slices for 90 seconds plus intervals or reheat in an air fryer at 365°F for 5 minutes, or in an oven covered with foil at 300°F for 20-30 minutes.
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for creamy texture; if microwaving potatoes isn’t preferred, boiling them until fork tender works as well.
- Watch crust edges during baking carefully; shielding prevents over-browning while allowing the center to bake thoroughly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
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